Metro have claimed that Arsenal are ready to make a move for Joao Moutinho this summer, with Monaco supposedly ready to cash in on the Portugal international.

The gifted playmaker has long been linked with a switch to the Premier League, with Tottenham seemingly the side closest to signing him.

The Telegraph reported in the summer of 2012 that Spurs had come within minutes of clinching a deal for the diminutive schemer, only for the move to collapse as the transfer window slammed shut.

Although Andre Villas-Boas’ presence as the club’s coach at that time was a driving factor in the White Hart Lane club’s interest, is Moutinho a player that Spurs should be looking at if he is available again this time round?

At 28, turning 29 in September, Moutinho certainly would not represent a purchase with the long-term future in mind, while the North London club already have their own gifted playmaker in the form of Christian Eriksen.

However, there is no doubting the Portuguese star’s ability.

Eriksen has frequently started from a wide role in Mauricio Pochettino’s 4-2-3-1 formation, with another player such as Mousa Dembele being given a chance to play as the designated number ten.

Having someone of Moutinho’s class in behind Harry Kane and linking up with Eriksen would surely be an attacking proposition to excite the White Hart Lane faithful.

With three central midfielders in the form of Paulinho, Etienne Capoue and Benjamin Stambouli all leaving the club this summer, the Portuguese’s arrival would give Pochettino extra options in the centre of the pitch too.

It is clear that Spurs are planning for the future and want to blood plenty of young players to build a team to grow together - something that should be commended.

However, a couple of older, more experienced players in the mix will only help the youngsters to progress and add to the team’s chances of finishing in the top four next season.

Gareth McKnight

I am a freelance football journalist from Northern Ireland, currently living and working from Broome in Western Australia. After a degree in sports journalism from the University of Stirling in Scotland, I started in the online football world and have worked for leading websites and media outlets since. My knowledge and passion is based around the Premier League and European football, but I also have a soft spot for the Australian A-League.